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Home • News

High School Principal Faces Backlash for Appearing in Trey Songz Video

Esther Adler-O'Keefe appeared in the video as a woman who allowed rapper J.R. to housesit her home. 
High School Principal Faces Backlash for Appearing in Trey Songz Video
Johnny Nunez
By Taylor Lewis · Updated October 27, 2020
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A New York high school principal is fighting for her job after appearing in a Trey Songz music video. 

Billboard reports that Southampton High School principal Esther Adler-O’Keefe appeared in the music video for J.R. and Trey Songz’s new track, “Best Friend.” In the video, Adler-O’Keefe played a homeowner who agreed to let J.R. housesit her mansion (which, unsurprisingly, ends in a wild party).

Though many parents and teachers agree that she is an “awesome” principal who is passionate about her job, the school district says that she demonstrated questionable judgment.

ESSENCE Poll: Should Teachers Be Allowed to Be as Creative as Possible to Engage Children? 

“The video in question showcases behaviors and language use that is not promoted by the Southampton School District,” Southampton Public Schools Superintendent Scott Farina told an ABC Chicago affiliate. “In fact, we actively teach our students the importance of good character and making smart choices.”

Check out the video above, and tell us what you think. Should the principal be reprimanded for appearing in the video?